military operations and civilian growth ambitions. “I got bit by the bug very early on in life with helicopters,” Hodgman reflects on his aviation journey.“I’m rated in helicopters and gyroplanes and airplanes.” His involvement in state-level planning, including being the lead planner and non-voting member for the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Committee and serving on the new Commercial Aviation Work Group, as well as contributing to electric aircraft feasibility studies, provided insights into the systemic challenges facing Washington aviation. His business orientation shapes daily operations. “I just think about things in terms of business,” he says. “I’m looking at lease revenue. We recently took on our own parking in the terminal parking lot, and it’s been a tremendous revenue source. I’m always looking at where we can go to create not only more revenue for the airport, but how we can also contribute to the community.” The immediate priorities remain clear.“It’s continuing to develop air service and continuing to develop air cargo. Those are the lifeblood of industry, and they certainly can be a huge economic driver here in Yakima Valley,” Hodgman emphasizes. His office overlooking the runway provides constant reminders of both current operations and future potential. As electric aviation advances toward commercial reality and SeaTac’s capacity constraints intensify, Yakima Air Terminal is poised to transform from regional facility to critical infrastructure hub. Under Hodgman’s leadership, the airport embraces its role in reshaping Pacific Northwest aviation, proving that sometimes the best solutions emerge not from building new, but from reimagining what already exists. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n McCormick Air Center www.mccormickaircenter.com McCormick Air Center takes pride in being Yakima’s only full-service FBO – serving as an AvFuel dealer, with AVTRIP points also available! Located in the Yakima Valley, gateway to Washington’s wine country, McCormick Air Center’s team of professionals are pleased to take care of all your fuel, maintenance, and flight instruction needs – 7 days a week! 10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
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